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Intel's Best Chip Shot

Intel system builders are predicting the processor giant is poised to gain ground against rival Advanced Micro Devices as a result of the new Intel VPro business desktop platform, price cuts and an aggressive second-half product rollout.

Wes Herschberger, CEO of MapleTronics, an Intel- exclusive system builder in Goshen, Ind., said he sees VPro leading to an Intel market-share resurgence. “It’s a new industry standard that is really going to help them take back share,” he said.

The moves are reminiscent of Intel’s successful effort to win back market share several years ago when AMD made gains, Herschberger said. “They are taking even more aggressive actions this time,” he said of Intel. “They are intently focused on winning back share.”

Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini unveiled the long-anticipated VPro brand last week. He said the platform effectively reinvents the business desktop with its combination of improved manageability, security and energy efficiency features. VPro seed units will be available this quarter ahead of the massive ramp, which will arrive in the third quarter when the Conroe desktop dual-core processor is shipped in volume.

Plans call for Intel, Santa Clara, Calif., to ship its Woodcrest server processor in June, its Conroe desktop processor in July and its Merom mobile processor in August, Otellini said. The chips promise performance gains of 80 percent, 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively, he added.

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